Rank: Farewell to the 375th Published April 30, 2008 By Col. Tamra Rank 375th Airlift Wing vice commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The one thing that is constant in the Air Force is change. We change positions, roles, leadership, and locations so often that our sense of "normal" is that of change. So, as I prepare for another change and, in keeping with my "less is more" philosophy, I will take just a few lines to express my sincere admiration and gratitude to you for making this another exciting, challenging and rewarding assignment. We'd all like to think that we're so vital and unique that certainly the organization will be destined for failure when we're gone...that's rarely the case. In fact, it is my belief that if we've done our jobs correctly, the organization won't miss a beat when we're gone. Hopefully we'll be missed, but if we've done the job right, that will be on a more personal level rather than because the mission isn't being accomplished properly. And, I certainly hope to leave the organization a bit better than I found it. With that said, when you read this, I'll no longer be the 375th Airlift Wing vice commander. Today is my first day as the Air Mobility Command Chief of Sustainment and Force Development. As I reflect on my time as the vice commander, I am struck by the incredibly talented and dedicated people who make up the 375th AW. While the tasks were sometimes challenging, I always enjoyed those with whom I was completing the task. What a class act you are. From the Security Forces Airman who sent me home one night to get my line badge rather than allow me on the flight line (yes, this really did happen...and, yes, I do know who you are) to Ella Duncan, who had the unenviable task of guiding me through the sometimes torturous CRB process to the Awaiting Pilot Training Lieutenants Kevin Stockdill and Ken Burrows, who had to listen to my "back in the day" stories as they learned what execs do and how to "manage" Colonels... I can't imagine a finer group of professionals executing the toughest of missions each and every day, and doing it to perfection. Thank you. Commanders, chiefs, and first sergeants...you are tremendous leaders. You made my job easy because you always had the right answers, the first time. You are the experts! Thank you. JTF Scott...932nd, 126th, Air Force Communications Agency, U.S. Transportation Command, AMC, Defense Information Systems Agency and the other 60-some other partners...what a team! Unbeatable in every test! Thank you for your support and friendship. I know you'll show the new vice, Col. Steve Oliver, the same fabulous welcome, sustained performance and support you gave me. So, thank you for what you do. Thank you for the privilege of serving with you. Thank you for your service. I know you won't miss a beat.